The Idoma Association USA has expressed deep concern and sorrow over the recent attack on the Egwuma community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, which resulted in the tragic loss of six lives, including two soldiers. The attack, reportedly carried out by suspected armed herders, is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued Agatu and other communities in Benue South for years.
In a statement issued by Edwin Ochai, the President of the Idoma Association USA, the group condemned the persistent insecurity in Agatu, calling it a result of government negligence and a failure to protect the lives and property of the people. The association urged all Idoma people, both at home and abroad, to come together in defence of their land and community.
The Agatu region has long been a hotspot of violence, with communities suffering from attacks by armed herders that have claimed numerous lives and displaced many residents. Despite the deployment of soldiers and the presence of security agencies, the killings continue unabated, leaving the people of Agatu vulnerable and unprotected.
Ochai highlighted the failure of successive governments to address the recurring violence, calling it a betrayal of the citizens and a sign of systemic neglect.The lack of swift and decisive government action, he said, has left the community in a constant state of fear and insecurity.
We commend the Nigerian Army for their efforts in deploying soldiers to the community, and we extend our condolences to the families of the two brave officers who lost their lives in the attack,Ochai said. However, we are deeply troubled by the silence from the Benue State government and other relevant security agencies regarding these ongoing attacks.
The Idoma Association USA believes that the time for passive waiting is over. In his statement, Ochai called for all Idoma sons and daughters, whether in Nigeria or abroad, to unite and defend their ancestral lands from what he described as a war of attrition aimed at eradicating the Idoma ethnic nation.
This is not just a local issue; it is an attack on our entire ethnic group,Ochai said. The Idoma people are known for their bravery and resilience. We must not surrender our heritage and future to those who seek to obliterate us. Enough is enough.
Ochai urged all stakeholders within the Idoma community to mobilize and take decisive action to put an end to the ongoing violence. He emphasized the need for collective efforts in stopping what he described as an ethnic cleansing campaign against the Idoma people, particularly in Agatu.
The Idoma Association USA has called on leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and community organizations to come together to devise strategies that will ensure the protection of their people. Ochai stressed that while the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens, the community must also take proactive steps in safeguarding their land.
We urge all Idoma people to stand in solidarity, support one another, and protect our land from further destruction, he said. The future of the Idoma nation depends on our ability to rise and defend ourselves from these continuous attacks.
The ongoing violence in Agatu, which has left communities devastated and families in mourning, remains a painful reminder of the insecurity facing many parts of Nigeria. The Idoma Association USA's call for unity and action highlights the growing frustration within the community and the urgent need for a more robust response from both the government and the people themselves.
As the Agatu crisis continues, it is clear that the Idoma community, both at home and abroad, is determined to protect its people and preserve its heritage from further destruction.